Khrew suffocates under industrial smoke, residents fear for future

Srinagar, Jul 12: The picturesque town of Khrew in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district is facing a severe environmental crisis, as industrial pollution from numerous cement factories threatens the health of residents, damages the environment, and impacts the region’s renowned saffron heritage.
Residents raised concerns over deteriorating air and land quality, blaming unchecked emissions and dust from multiple cement manufacturing units operating near residential areas.
“The air is thick with dust. Breathing has become difficult, and our fields are no longer what they used to be,” said Gulzar Ahmad, a local resident. “Check the roofs of our houses; they’re covered in pollution, and it enters our homes and bodies, causing health issues in our community.”
He added that the layer of cement dust has prevented saffron flowers from blooming, leading to a sharp decline in production over recent years, which he attributes directly to rising pollution levels.
Locals warned that the pollution has become so severe that migration seems inevitable, as prolonged exposure is damaging both health and livelihoods.
The environmental impact extends beyond human health. Agriculture, horticulture, and biodiversity are suffering visibly. Groundwater levels have dropped significantly, disrupting irrigation and drinking water supplies. Vegetation shows signs of distress, with dust-covered leaves hampering photosynthesis and stunting plant growth. Wildlife, once abundant in nearby forests, has become increasingly scarce.
Of greater concern are the health issues afflicting residents. Medical professionals confirm a surge in serious illnesses linked to pollution.
Dr Irfan, a senior cardiologist at GMC Srinagar, said that respiratory and cardiac problems are becoming more common in Khrew.
“Cases of heart attacks, asthma, lung cancer, and kidney failures have multiplied here over the past few years. What was once rare is now a weekly occurrence,” he said. “The long-term impact on children growing up in this environment is unpredictable but deeply alarming.”
Residents said they have repeatedly appealed to government authorities for intervention. Our demands include strict regulation of cement factories, enforcement of pollution control norms, installation of filtration and dust suppression systems, and stopping illegal deforestation and mining activities, they said.
“If this situation isn’t addressed urgently, the damage to health and the environment will be irreversible,” warned a local teacher. “It’s more than an environmental issue; it’s about our very survival.”
Despite their efforts, residents say their appeals have gone unheeded. They have now sought intervention from Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and their local MLA.
Recently, the Jammu and Kashmir government acknowledged the issue in a legislative session, confirming that emissions from cement factories in Khrew have contributed to increased pulmonary and cardiac diseases among locals. The government also said that air quality monitoring across the UT indicates a moderate level of pollution in Khrew. (KNO)